In brief: Foster parents arraigned in girl’s death
The Post Falls foster parents indicted in the death of a 2-year-old girl in their care were arraigned in District Court in Coeur d’Alene.
Amber M. Clark and Jeremy M. Clark remained silent during Monday’s hearing, so 1st District Judge Fred Gibler entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.
The Clarks were indicted by a Kootenai County grand jury on two counts of felony injury to a child, conspiracy to conceal evidence of abuse and perjury.
Karina J. Moore died in January 2009, days after the Clarks told police she fell down stairs. A coroner ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force head injuries. The indictment alleges the Clarks also abused a boy in December 2007 and January 2008.
Council approves Monroe hill plan
Land along the steep Monroe Street hill in North Spokane will be able to hold up to 30 homes or apartments per acre under a plan approved Monday by the City Council.
The council voted 6-1 late Monday to change the comprehensive plan to allow up to 30 residential units per acre on a little less than two acres of land on the west side of Monroe between Courtland and Glass avenues. The vacant property is owned by the city.
City officials say the designation provides for more flexibility in designing the site, and that it is highly unlikely that any project will include the maximum number of residences. The city’s Community Development Department hopes to partner with a nonprofit group to develop and sell the land.
Many neighbors opposed the change, in large part because the city doesn’t have specific plans for the site.
The council voted to require that any development on the site be reviewed first by the city’s Design Review Board. Councilman Jon Snyder argued that the process will give neighbors an extra step to consider plans.
Councilman Steve Corker cast the lone vote against the proposal.
Sheriff candidate notes experience
Touting a 37-year career in law enforcement, a Coeur d’Alene man announced Tuesday he’s running for sheriff of Kootenai County as a Republican.
Bob Foster, 65, said in a press release that his career includes 17 years as a police chief in California, including stints in Willits, Calif., and at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.
He has worked for the city of Coeur d’Alene’s police department for two years as a code enforcement officer and also for Hagadone Hospitality as director of security for the Coeur d’Alene Resort, he said. Foster grew up in Adams County, Idaho, before moving to California in fifth grade, he said. He remained in California until his retirement in 2004 then moved to North Idaho.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he said, has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and graduated from the FBI’s national academy.